TLC Driver License
The TLC Driver License is a license for a driver to carry passengers in a medallion taxi, green taxi (street hail livery), livery car, black car, or luxury limousine. License holders must meet the same standards for operating taxis and for-hire vehicles, such as fingerprint-enabled criminal background checks, DMV driving record checks, and drug testing.
The TLC has a single license for taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, which includes operators of medallion taxis, green taxis (street hail liveries), livery cars, black cars, and luxury limousines. The new license does not include paratransit and commuter van drivers, which still have separate licenses to operate those vehicles. Current TLC licensees with taxi, for-hire vehicle, or combined MED-FHV driver licenses do not need a new license card to operate a different vehicle in the taxi or for-hire vehicle sectors. All current licenses are valid until their listed expiration date.
- You cannot have more than five points on your state driver’s license within a 15-month period from your most recent violation date.
- You need a copy of your Chauffeur license or its equivalent. In New York State, this is a Class A, B, C or E. If your license is outside of New York State, please check with your state driver licensing agency.
- Applicants with an out-of-state license also need an original out of state driver record that is dated no more than 90 days from the date you will file your application.
- A valid Social Security number is also needed to apply, as well as an email address and a phone number. You will be notified by email or text if additional information is needed.
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- Have payment in the form of a credit card, debit card, or checking account to cover application fees. All fees must be paid online, and are non-refundable. The license fee is $252. You can pay with an e-check, which is free. Payment with credit or debit card will lead to a fee of 2.49% of the payment amount.
- Pay any parking, traffic, or TLC tickets you may have.
- If you work for the NYPD, you need a copy of a Letter of Approval from your Commanding Officer and an Off Duty Employment Form. The form must be signed and approved by your commanding officer and the department’s Employee Management Division.
- If you are active military or reserves, you need a copy of a certificate of current active military status and your military ID. You can request records from the Department of Defense.
- If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the TLC will need a copy of discharge papers or a certificate of release (Form DD214) and your Veteran ID. This may be requested from the U.S. National Archives.
Complete all requirements within 90 days of your online application. This includes taking a drug test, having your fingerprints and photo taken, and completing education requirements. To schedule an appointment for a drug test, call LabCorp at (800)923-2624 . They will notify the TLC electronically of your results, which takes approximately three days. Locations can be found here:
You must complete a 24-hour education course and pass a final exam, with a score of 70 or higher. The course and exam are available in English, Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, and American Sign Language. More information can be found here:
- To renew your TLC driver license, pay $252 online with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Please pay at least 30 days ahead of your license’s expiration date to avoid a $25 late fee.
- You must also take a drug test at least 90 days before your license expiration date. The testing center will automatically tell the TLC if you have passed.
- If the last defensive driving course you have on file with the TLC was more than three years before your license, you need to retake it and submit proof of completion of the course to the TLC.
- If you have not taken wheelchair-accessible vehicle training, you need to take it. The school will inform the TLC when you have completed the course.
- If you do not have a New York State DMV driver license, submit an original out of state driver record dated no more than 90 days before your license expiration date. Contact your state’s DMV to obtain the record.
- Pay any parking or traffic tickets that you may have, as well as any TLC fines.
- Only For-Hire-Vehicle drivers who applied for a license between March 20, 2015 and December 19, 2015 will have to attend TLC Driver Education and take the exam prior to renewal. If you have taken the course and passed the exam for the TLC 24 hour course, you do not need to retake it.
